Winter Sport Safety Tips to Avoid Hand Injury

Winter Sport Safety Tips to Avoid Hand Injury

The excitement, the challenge, the thrill! Winter sports have something going for them that sports any other time of the year don’t – they are FAST!

Ice, slippery snow, and frozen lakes all make for incredible action. But this very action is what contributes to the injury rate in winter sports.

In one recent year, nearly 250,000 people in the US were treated for winter sports-related injuries.

Here’s the breakdown:

Skiing – 88,000 injuries
Snowboarding – 61,000 injuries
Sledding, tobogganing or snow tubing – 47,000 injuries
Ice Skating – 50,000 injuries
So what can you do to keep you and your family safe, while still enjoying your favorite outdoor winter sport?

Follow these tips to avoid hand & wrist injury:

If you are new to the sport, be sure to invest in a few lessons from a qualified coach, who can help you adapt to the rigors of the sport, teach you how to fall, and check to be sure your equipment fits you correctly. And – check your equipment every time before you go out, to be sure it is in proper working order.

Never participate in a winter sport alone.

Be sure to make adequate hydration part of your daily plan to stay in shape. Individuals should drink one-half their weight in ounces of water each day to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is especially important at the end of the day, too.

Keep your muscles in good condition and be sure to stretch and warm-up before hitting the slopes or the rink.

Wear appropriate protective gear; especially helmets. At the fast pace of many winter sports, brain-injuring concussions can occur.

Layer your clothing, so you can shed layers or add them as the temperature fluctuates.

Know and abide by all rules of the sport.

Pay attention to weather reports and forecasts, and heed the warnings of personnel if stormy weather approaches.

Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if you or anyone in your group is experiencing frostbite or hypothermia. Make sure everyone is aware of procedures for getting help, if an injury should occur.

Monitor your energy level and don’t engage in the sport if you are tired or in pain.

A fresh snowfall will call many to come and play outside. Just follow a few simple rules to insure your day of fun doesn’t turn into a disaster. If an injury to the hand, wrist, arm or upper extremity does occur, seek medical attention immediately and then follow up with Dr. Rehman.

She is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper body injuries, and she will do a comprehensive evaluation before designing an individualized program of least-invasive recovery and rehabilitation. Don’t suffer with pain, stiffness, tingling or numbness. These can all be signs of a serious injury which, if left untreated, could sideline you from your sport permanently. Dr. Rehman and her team of hand therapists can help you return to recovery with full range of motion and strength.